Archive October

October. 28, 2005

Tatiana presents special veterans tribute to Salvation Army

 

A special tribute and fund raising show on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moe Bandy Theatre combines the phenomenal talent of Latvian-born pianist Tatiana with the rich history of the Salvation Army and the donut ‘lassies’ as part of Veterans Homecoming events.

"The Salvation Army has been helping so many during this time of hurricanes Wilma, Rita and Katrina and the Pakistan earthquake and just nine months ago the tsunami. The local Salvation Army has been giving so much assistance to hurricane survivors that I wanted to do something to help," said Tatiana who is offering a special price for the fund-raiser to veterans and locals.

"My special show on Nov. 5 is a tribute to the Salvation Army lassies who served donuts to thousands of soldiers during World War I. Of course, we will serve donuts in the concession stand and recognize our veterans and active military. I am looking forward to experiencing my first Veterans Homecoming. I remember when my home country achieved full independence from the Soviet Union in August of 1991. I want to take this opportunity to thank all veterans for freedom," she said.

Tatiana has been in the United States since 1993 when she earned a piano scholarship to Texas Christian University. A world-class pianist, she has performed and won prestigious national and international awards including the Moscow Certificate of Achievement in Performance from the National Conservatorium of Music where she earned her doctorate in musical arts.

For the Nov. 5 show, Tatiana has planned a patriotic medley that includes her rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic and When the Saints Go Marching In, which is being used often for fund raisers for Katrina survivors. As part of the patriotic segment of the show Tatiana will share the story of the Salvation Army donut "lassies."

According to the Salvation Army, in August, 1917, fighting raged near Montiers, France, as soldiers huddled in camp - hungry, tired and soaked by 36 consecutive days of rain. In a tent near the front lines, Salvation Army lassies made donuts by filling a refuge pail with oil and made dough with left over flour and other ingredients on hand, and used a wine bottle as a rolling pin. With a baking powder tin for a cutter and a camphor-ice suck tube for making the holes, donuts were fried - seven at a time - in soldier's steel helmets on an 18-inch stove.

It was just a year later that Tatiana’s Latvia first declared its independence. The new nation was recognized by Soviet Russia and Germany in 1920. Just two decades later Latvia was forced to grant military bases on its soil to the Soviet Union, and in 1940 the Soviet Red Army moved into Latvia, which was soon incorporated into the Soviet Union.

"My people retained strong memories of their brief 20-year period of independence. In the late 1980s, in connection with glasnost and perestroika independence was restored in May of 1990. This was before the Soviet Union broke up into 15 independent nations in 1991," Tatiana said.

"I want this show to be a salute to freedom and independence and a tribute to the donut lassies and the Salvation Army. I invite everyone to see this special show. I also thank Moe Bandy for his support and allowing me to use his theatre," she said.

Admission to the show is $15. Veterans and locals may see the show for $10. Call 417-334-6802 for reservations. This is the only show Tatiana will be presenting at the Moe Bandy Theatre. She is opening her Christmas show, Tatiana’s Christmas Comedy Jamboree with Harley Worthit, on Nov. 1 at the Branson Mall Music Theatre in the 5 p.m time slot. The show will be presented Tuesday through Sunday. Call 417-339-3939 for reservations for the Christmas show.



 
 

DH

Posted @ 8:12 pm

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October. 21, 2005

Fashion show at women veterans luncheon

to feature military and era clothing

 

Rosie the Riveter and Mrs. Vietnam Vet will be among the dozens of models roaming the floor at the Majestic Steakhouse on Monday, Nov. 7, during the noon luncheon honoring women veterans that immediately follows a memorial Rose Petal Ceremony. Both events are part of a week-long Veterans Homecoming celebration sponsored by the Branson Veterans Task Force.

In honor of all women who have served in war and on the home front, about two dozen costumes will be featured from the World War II era to the present. Among them will be a very rare Women’s Air Corp World War II uniform on loan from Mrs. John Simpers.

"Women have been making contributions to the war effort ever since they disguised themselves as male soldiers in the Civil War," said Stormy Snow, a member of the Women’s Veterans Committee. "Our exhibition will honor not only the women in uniform, but also those who have served the United States as nurses, mothers, wives and factory workers."

The models will mingle among guests while holding placards explaining their attire.

"The Womens Veterans Committee has been collecting several military uniforms and we’ve decided the luncheon would be a great place to showcase the uniforms in our collection," said Snow.

Linda Piquet, coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., will be speaking at the luncheon. As a member of several organizations, Piquet manages information, training, problems and outreach with the help of the Veterans Benefit Administration’s nationwide Women Veterans Coordinators.

Piquet was recently selected as a consultant to the Veterans Health Administration’s Women Veterans Mental Health Committee, and holds membership in the Texas State Society. She also is a new member of Soroptomists International, a volunteer service organization working to improve the lives of women and girls nationwide.

Mayor Lou Schaefer will be present to greet the women veterans and Andrea Brett of the Brett family singers will read her poem, I Am a Veteran.

The Rose Petal Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Mansion America Theatre. A representative for each branch of the service will speak on behalf of the women who lost their lives in the line of duty. Afterward, rose petals will be dropped into a fountain in honor of the women veterans who lost their lives. The ceremony is free to the community.

Women veterans from the area and out of town are especially invited to attend both events. The community is encouraged to attend to show support as well. Tickets to the luncheon are $25 and should be reserved in advance through Mary Slivka at the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Make checks payable to Women Veterans Committee and mail to the attention of Slivka, Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1897, Branson, Mo. 65615. For more information call toll free at 800-935-1199 or email mslivka@bransoncvb.com.

The Veterans Homecoming celebration runs from Nov. 5 through Nov. 11 and is the nation’s largest Veterans Day celebration. Nov. 7 is the day dedicated by the Task Force to recognize the contribution of women veterans.

Veterans Homecoming is just one of many community service projects sponsored by Branson Veterans Task Force and its partners. The task force works to promote an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor the Nation's veterans and their families. For more information contact: Branson Veterans Task Force Inc., 138 Pointe Royale Drive Suite 0 (Helms Building), Branson, MO 65615 or call 417-337-VETS.


 
 

DH

Posted @ 8:12 pm

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October. 19, 2005

Volunteers are needed
 

Volunteers are needed for the many events including the Veterans Registry at Grand Country Square and Tactical Operations Center at Celebration City and the Branson Veterans Task Force booth at the Vendor Village, also at Celebration City, during Veterans Homecoming. Anyone who can assist - whether it is one hour or one week, please call the Branson Veterans Task Force at 417-337-8387.


Donations are being accepted for the maintenance of the flags on the Avenue of Freedom. Some flags need to be replaced before Veterans Homecoming and more will need to be replaced with the seasonal weather changes. A total of 92 American flags fly from every lamppost in the median from the corner of Gretna Road and Missouri 248 to the bridge at Gretna Road and Roark Valley Road. The flags, plus three 8 x 12 flags, have flown 24/7 since 2001. The Branson Veterans Task Force through an agreement with the City of Branson continues to maintain the flags. Tax deductible donations may be made to the Branson Veterans Task Force Avenue of Freedom project and mailed to BVTF, P.O. Box 128, Branson, MO 65615

 
 

DH

Posted @ 8:12 pm

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October. 18, 2005

Charlie Louvin returns
 

Some of the greatest country artists, Grand Ole Opry star and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin, Barbara Fairchild of "Teddy Bear" fame and Dalena from the Dalena Show in Branson, are the guests at the Sunday, Oct. 23, taping of the "Gene Williams Country Music Television Show" at Ain’t Misbehavin’ Theatre in Branson
 
 

DH

Posted @ 9:12 pm

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October. 14, 2005

$10,000 prize for hole-in-one

for American Kids Golf Tournament
 

Prizes including $10,000, Ben Hogan irons and a Boze radio system are among the prizes to be won in the sixth annual American Kids Inc. Charity Golf Tournament on Oct. 22 at the Pointe Royale Golf Course in Branson, Mo.

The tournament, a fund raiser for the American Kids Inc. college scholarship fund, is an eighteen-hole scramble. The $10,000 prize is for a hole-in-one on the #12 hole, according to organizers Rene and Carolyn Crispin of Branson. The tournament begins with registration and brunch at 10:30 a.m. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. and the tournament officially begins at 1:30 p.m. Dinner, awards and a silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m.

The event is being held in conjunction with the American Kids Inc. founder Dr. Dale Smith’s 75th birthday and Smith’s attempt for the sixth year in a row to golf in one day the number of holes equal to his age.

"This tournament is one that is long overdue. Dr. Dale is an avid golfer and has played golf here in Branson since 1997," said Rene Crispin. "He began golfing the number of holes equal to his age the year he turned 70. This year, when Dr. Dale Smith turns 75, he will attempt a world record as the oldest man to progressively golf holes equal to his age and the most holes in the shortest amount of time. Dr. Dale usually completes his rounds in under nine hours."

"It’s a feat most 30-somethings wouldn’t try. Yet, for the past five years, Dr. Dale has accomplished easily his one-day golfing marathon to raise funds for the nation’s only little league of entertainers, the non-profit organization he founded 24 years ago," said American Kids Inc. board member Steve Weyher.

The event has become such a tradition at Pointe Royale Golf Course, that fellow golfers allow the distinguished white-haired Dr. Dale to "play through" and offer encouragement along the way. That support along with organizers, golfers, green sponsors and tee sponsors are appreciated, said Smith whose entourage will include officials documenting his world record attempt.

Those participating in the tournament, Smith emphasized, do not have to golf 75 holes while he is attempting to break his record of 74 holes.

For the tournament registration is $75 and includes golf cart, brunch, dinner and prizes. An optional tee-value packet is available for $25 that includes gifts, glove, a sleeve of balls, certificates, putting and mulligans.

In conjunction with the world record attempt and tournament, Smith is being honored by alumni of the organization with an alumni tribute show on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Club House at Pointe Royale and a birthday party at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

American Kids Inc. has over 1,000 members from some 25 states. The non-profit group promotes drug-free lifestyles, patriotism and community service using entertainment as the vehicle.

"Over the past two decades we’ve given a significant number of college scholarships. A goal is to see American Kids become one of the nation’s largest college scholarship programs," said Smith, who holds a doctorate in administration-education and master’s in music education and lettered in golf.

More information is available on the website at www.americankids.com.  For an entry form call American Kids Inc. at 800-377-8117 or 417-337-8964.


 
 

DH

Posted @ 9:12 pm

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October. 10, 2005

Texan Todd Fritsch guest stars on ‘Gene Williams Show’

Gene Williams introduces the nation to an up-and-coming country star, Texan Todd Fritsch on the next broadcast of his original television show, the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."
"For Texas native and country entertainer Todd Fritsch, the cowboy way of life is truly his way of life and it is reflected in his country songs," said Williams, the star and creator of the television show that is taped in Branson, Mo., and telecast to 20.5 million homes nationwide. "Whether he’s on the family’s cattle ranch or on stage, you can tell Todd knows the country way of life. He started driving a tractor at a very young age and by the time he was a teenager he was building his own herd of cattle on his family’s ranch in South Texas. His rich, rangy voice is a radio natural. His album’s debut single, a remake of Eddy Raven’s ‘I Got Mexico,’ has already enjoyed a successful run at radio. His performances are popular throughout Texas. I believe it is time the entire nation gets to know him."
 
 

DH

Posted @ 10:12 pm

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October. 5, 2005

Barbara Sharp on "Gene Williams Show"

The multi-talented movie star, television actor and singer Barbara Sharp from California is the guest star on the next telecast of the Lucas Oil Products sponsored "Gene Williams Country Television Show."

"Barbara is currently working with my good friend Razzy Bailey on a couple of soon-to-be-released movies and sings for us an original song from one, "CE4K: Invaders from Mars," a family-friendly Martian monster movie that she starred in and also produced. Barbara’s country roots are evident in her sultry style. She is in high demand in Orange County and numerous national corporate events," said Williams, the star, creator and producer of the "Gene Williams Country Television Show."
 

DH

Posted @ 10:12 pm

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October. 5, 2005

Bluegrass and BBQ with Goldwing Express to open
in new time slot at Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre

New for 2006, the nationally-known touring bluegrass band, Goldwing Express, is moving to the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre for Bluegrass and BBQ with Goldwing Express in a new time slot for the group and the theatre.

"The 5 p.m. dinner and a show is something new at the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre and we are very pleased to be teaming up with the Baldridge family who make up Goldwing Express," said Lena Hughes, theatre manager. "We will be offering the best in barbecue and all the trimmings and the best in bluegrass with the acoustics of a five-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, bow fiddle and upright bass along with hilarious comedy."
Goldwing Express has been entertaining audiences all over America for years and for the last three years have had their own show in Branson. They are moving their show from the Little Opry Theatre at the IMAX Complex to the bigger 1,100-seat Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre.

Goldwing Express is comprised of three Native American brothers and their father. In addition to their bluegrass music, they are also favored for their excellent country and gospel style. Shawn David, the youngest brother, plays upright bass, fiddle and sings lead and bass. Steven Joseph, the middle brother, plays dobro, gitjo, banjo and sings lead and baritone. Paul Anthony sings tenor and plays a Martin guitar. Last but not least, the producer of the show, Bob, the father, sings lead and plays mandolin. His comedy keeps everyone in stitches.

Hughes said the addition of Goldwing Express to the theatre’s line-up is part of the plan for continued growth for the theatre since their 2000 purchase.
"This is an exciting step in our progression. Our goal is that people will be touched with something deeper than just entertainment - that we've touched hearts. Bringing another great family-produced show like Goldwing Express into our theatre will help us do just that. Goldwing Express is a continuation of the rich history such as the Judds, Roy Clark, the Mandrells, Glen Campbell, Mel Tillis and the Smothers Brothers who have performed at this theatre. The excitement will continue to build with the announcement of a 2 p.m. show in the near future," Hughes said.

The 5 p.m. Bluegrass and BBQ is in addition to the Hughes brothers’ varied schedule of 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows.
For more information call 417-336-3688. For more information on the Hughes Brothers go to www.hughes-brothers.com.  The website address for Goldwing Express is www.goldwingexpress.net.


 

DH

Posted @ 9:12 pm

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